In the Health Studies academic plan the knowledge from several traditional disciplines is combined and focused on the study of health and disease. Courses provide students with an understanding of (a) the nature of diseases, (b) their causes, (c) behavioural factors that contribute to disease, and (d) ways in which health behaviour can be changed.
The curriculum has four core areas:
- Health Sciences – the scientific facts and principles pertinent to personal and community health. Specific subject areas include
- introduction to health sciences,
- determinants of disease (epidemiology),
- environmental health,
- nutrition, and others.
- Behaviourial Sciences – introduction to psychology, determinants of health behaviour and health behaviour modification.
- Biological Sciences – the basic principles of biology, physiology, and biochemistry.
- Evaluation and Research – the principles of statistics and research design aimed at developing sufficient competencies to enable students to evaluate and interpret the findings of health-related research.
Students may apply for admission directly into Honours Health Studies, Co-op or Regular.